Peppermint cookies is a yummy treat that mixes the cool mint taste with the sweet comfort of freshly baked goodies They’re kinda famous around the holidays and make you think of big family get-togethers or cuddling up by the fireplace Their strong minty smell and snowy look always cheer people up Whether you just eat them in December or anytime in the year, peppermint cookies got a way of making you smile
People love peppermint cookies in winter ‘cause they look bright and taste even better making them perfect for sharing with friends and fam The minty kick not only tastes awesome but makes old cookie recipes feel new again In desserts, peppermint really shines by lifting flavors and setting a cozy mood In this article we’ll take you through peppermint cookies’ history, different kinds, some health perks, and a simple recipe that even beginners can nail Let’s dive into the world of these cool minty treats and get your holiday baking started!
History of Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint has been around for ages, first used way back for medicine not for eating Rare mint plants were chewed to help stomach aches but as sugar got cheaper people started adding peppermint to sweets By the 1700s folks were growing mint just for flavoring and recipes with peppermint began popping up
Over time peppermint cookies changed a bunch from basic sugar cookies with a drop of mint extract to fancy treats with chocolate swirls and candy bits The first real peppermint cookie recipes showed up in American cookbooks in the 1800s Ever since they became holiday favorites that everyone looks forward to
Different parts of the world love peppermint in their own way In the U.S. it’s all about Christmas cookies and holiday parties In Europe you’ll find mint in chocolates and cakes too, showing how people everywhere dig this fresh flavor
Types of Peppermint Cookies
Peppermint cookies can come in many shapes and styles Here’s some you might see:
- Classic Peppermint Cookies: Soft, buttery base with peppermint extract—pair ‘em with hot cocoa for max coziness.
- Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies: All the chocolate chip cookie goodness with a minty twist. Rich choc plus cool peppermint equals a winning combo.
- Peppermint Crinkle Cookies: Chewy in the middle and cracked on top like snow dusted with powdered sugar They taste like chocolate meets minty magic.
- Vegan Peppermint Cookies: No eggs or milk here, just almond milk or flaxseed and still yummy You won’t even miss the dairy.
Health Benefits of Peppermint
A. Nutritional Profile
Peppermint isn’t just tasty, it’s got vitamins A and C plus minerals like calcium and potassium It also have antioxidants that can help your body fight bad stuff
B. Medicinal Uses
For centuries people used peppermint for tummy troubles It can help with bloating and it’s got some natural germ-fighting powers so it might help keep yucky bacteria away
C. Mood Enhancement
The smell of peppermint can perk you up Studies say sniffing mint can make you feel less tired and more alert Which means peppermint cookies can be a little pick-me-up when you’re feeling worn out
Detailed Recipe for Peppermint Cookies
A. Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (optional but festive)
- Chocolate chips (optional)
B. Directions
1. Preparing the dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy. Takes about 3–5 minutes Then mix in the eggs one at a time and stir in the peppermint extract
2. Mixing in dry ingredients
In another bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt Pour the dry mix into the wet stuff a little at a time and stir until just mixed If you want chocolate chips, fold them in now
3. Shaping the cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough balls on a lined baking sheet, about 2 inches apart Press some crushed candies on top for a holiday look
4. Baking process
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges look just golden The centers might seem soft but they firm up as they cool
5. Cooling instructions
Let the cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool all the way This helps them get the right texture
C. Advice for Perfect Cookies
If you like them soft, don’t overbake Let them be a bit chewy in the center For crunchier cookies add a minute or two more of bake time You can also mix in nuts or swap peppermint for vanilla or chocolate extract for new flavors
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh If you want to plan ahead, freeze the dough so you can bake fresh cookies later whenever you want
Decorating Peppermint Cookies
A. Icing Options
You’ve got choices: royal icing for fancy designs or a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk Either can be colored for extra fun but don’t drown out the minty taste
B. Topping Ideas
Toss on crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or sprinkles to make them look awesome and add more mint goodness
C. Creative Presentations
These cookies make great gifts Wrap them in tins or clear bags with ribbons You can also arrange them on a festive tray with other treats for a holiday party
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A. Can I use fresh peppermint in cookies?
Yes you can but fresh mint is milder than extract So you might need more leaves to get that strong minty punch
B. How do I make peppermint cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and check that your baking powder is gluten-free too
C. How can I store peppermint cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week For longer storage freeze the dough or baked cookies with parchment paper between layers
D. Are peppermint cookies safe for dogs?
Small amounts of mint might be okay, but cookies have sugar and often chocolate which aren’t good for dogs So best not to share
E. Can I freeze peppermint cookie dough?
Yep Just roll into balls, freeze on a sheet, then move to a bag When you bake from frozen add a couple extra minutes to the time
Conclusion
Baking peppermint cookies is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and share tasty treats with people you care about With this recipe and tips you’ll be whipping up perfect minty cookies in no time Try new ideas on flavors and decorations, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
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peppermint cookies
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract For a more intense peppermint flavor, increase to 1 ½ teaspoons.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup peppermint candies, crushed Plus extra for garnish.
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract to the mixture. Beat well until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed peppermint candies and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, sprinkle additional crushed peppermint candies on top for garnish, if desired.
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